Category: Academic Skill Development

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Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

The First-Generation Initiative Celebrates First-Gen December 2025 Graduates

A celebratory collage titled “December 2025 First-Gen Graduates” featuring photos of first-generation SMU graduates holding “First-Gen Proud” stoles, SMU alumni mugs, and letters. Individual portraits surround a central image of a white first-generation stole reading “Created a New Legacy,” alongside an SMU alumni mug and envelopes. The design includes blue and yellow accents and the SMU First-Generation Initiative logo in the bottom corner.

The First-Generation Initiative is thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary group of Mustangs who reached a major milestone this winter. In December 2025, 46 first-generation students officially graduated from Southern Methodist University. Each year, our community continues to grow, and with it, the number of first-generation students crossing the graduation stage.

This graduating class represents determination, resilience, and pride. As first-generation students, each graduate forged their own path through higher education, often navigating unfamiliar systems while balancing academics, work, family responsibilities, and personal growth. Their journeys were not always easy, but they were shaped by perseverance, courage, and an unwavering belief in what was possible.

What makes this moment even more exciting is what comes next. Many of our December graduates are already stepping into full-time careers, while others are preparing to continue their education in graduate or professional programs. Some are taking time to explore their options and celebrate this achievement, all while carrying deep pride in how far they’ve come and confidence in the futures ahead of them.

The image above shows just a few of our first-gen graduates that came by our office one last time to celebrate their success. These moments allowed us to reflect on their journeys and recognize their accomplishments together. Each graduate received a first-generation stole, symbolizing the strength and dedication that carried them to this point, along with an SMU alumni mug and personalized letters from first-gen allies filled with encouragement and congratulations.

We invite the SMU community to join us in celebrating our December 2025 first-generation graduates. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing their continued impact in the world!

 

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Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Tutoring Writing Center

New Event Series: Peak Peruna Performance

graphic displaying the 3 "pillars" of "Peak Peruna Performance", body, behavior, and brain

Counseling Services and Academic Skill Development are happy to present a new series: Peak Peruna Performance. 

Strategically planned and timed to share tips with students for performing at their best during finals season, this series dives deep into the “3 Bs” of Peak Performance: Body, Behavior, and Brain. Students (and others) are encouraged to come learn how small shifts can lead to major breakthroughs. 

Session 1: BODY – Boost your physical health, energy, and endurance. (Wednesday, November 19 at 2pm)

Session 2: BEHAVIOR – Master time management and build unstoppable “Motivation Momentum” as finals approach. (Tuesday, December 2 at 3pm)

Session 3: BRAIN – Strengthen focus, comprehension, and memory for optimal learning. (Monday, December 8 at 3pm)

 

Please help us support student wellness and success as we wrap up the semester by encouraging students to attend any of these sessions, taught by Counseling Services staff. 

Sessions will be held in 202-N in the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (Loyd All-Sports Center) and students can use the links above to register on SMU360. 

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Academic Skill Development First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success Turner Scholars

The First Generation Initiative hosts First-Gen Celebration Week: Rooted in Community

First-Gen celebration week includes several events November 9-13. Register on SMU360.

Join the First-Generation Initiative as we celebrate the strength, resilience, and connection of first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff. This year’s theme — Rooted in Community — honors the deep roots that ground us and the growing branches that connect us. Through workshops, networking, storytelling, and celebration, we’ll uplift the shared experiences that make SMU’s first-gen community thrive.

We hope you can join us by attending one or more of the following events:

  • Planting Our Roots: Celebrating Community – Join us on Sunday, November 9 from 5-7 p.m. for food, music, and a fun activity planting succulents outside in the McElvaney Quad!
  • Growing our Roots: First-Gen Alumni Panel & Networking Event – Hear from SMU first-gen alumni who have built meaningful careers while staying rooted in their values, passions, and purpose on Monday, November 10 from 5-7 p.m. in Blanton 108/110/112.
  • Rooted in True Self: Identity Method Workshop – Come hear Chris Meyers share a unique and fresh perspective on topics of worldview, identity, and the power of belief on Tuesday, November 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Chamber.
  • Turner Scholars x FGI Evolve Speaker Series – Co-hosted with Turner Scholars, hear from First-Gen alumni Cynthia Gudiel on Tuesday, November 11 from 5-7 p.m. in Moody Auditorium. Her belief that “higher education can be a path to social mobility” motivates her work and will undoubtedly shine through during her lecture.
  • Library Game Night: Branch Out & Grow Your Game (students only) – Spend a fun evening playing board games with student group, Board Together, and learn a new hobby on Tuesday, November 11 from 7-9 p.m. near the Starbucks in Fondren Library.
  • Celebrating Our Roots: First-Gen Fest – Come celebrate all that makes our First-Gen community strong on Wednesday, November 12 from 12-2 p.m. in Hughes-Trigg Student Center second floor! Enjoy a free t-shirt, food, and music.
  • Stay Rooted: FGA General Body Meeting (students only) – Join the First-Generation Association (FGA) student body meeting to learn more about the FGA student group on Thursday, November 13 from 5-6 p.m. in Hughes Trigg Student Center 226.

We’re looking forward to celebrating our First-Gen students!

First-Gen celebration week includes several events November 9-13. Register on SMU360.

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Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Tutoring University Advising Center Writing Center

Student Advising and Academic Success units closed Tuesday, October 21 for Professional Development

The Student Advising and Academic Success area within the Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success will close at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, for professional development. We will reopen during standard operating hours on Wednesday, October 22.

We encourage our constituents to use our websites or email  during this time for answers to common questions and requests.

Units include:

*= Tutoring will be available from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21.

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Honors and Scholars Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center University Advising Center University Foundations University Testing Center Writing Center

October is Disability Awareness Month!

Disability Awareness Month events. Image text duplicated in body text.

Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS) invites you to recognize and celebrate Disability Awareness Month at these on- and off-campus events.

Students for New Learning (SNL), SMU’s chartered organization for neurodivergent students, hosts 2 meetings this month. The first, on October 7, in Hughes Trigg Student Center, rooms 226 & 227, is a collaboration with SMU’s tabletop gaming club, Board Together. At the second meeting, October 28 at 5 p.m. in the A-LEC, SNL leaders and members will discuss how to choose the right courses and build the best spring schedule for you! RSVP for these events on SMU360.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, University Academic Engagement and Success (UAES) staff are invited to take a break, step outside, and enjoy a walk in nature. This event is a chance to recharge, connect with colleagues, and reflect on the importance of caring for our own well-being while supporting our students. Details will be shared with those who register through SMU360.

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Presents Hopeville – Monday, October 14 at 5 p.m. in Frances Anne Moody Hall at SMU. Join IDA Dallas for the screening of a powerful documentary that explores the root causes of America’s literacy crisis and highlights evidence-based solutions grounded in the Science of Reading. Hopeville is a call to action for parents, educators, leaders, and community members to advocate for effective reading instruction. RSVP at Eventbrite.

On October 18, the Dallas Zoo is hosting the White Cane Day Walk, a “walk on the wild side” for people who are blind or visually impaired. Register to walk or support a walker.

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Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Mentorship Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs

First-Generation Initiative: The Power of Mentorship

Being a first-generation college student often means navigating higher education without a roadmap. Mentorship provides first-generation college students with an extra hand in navigating unfamiliar territory through building community, accessing resources, and receiving support.

Tricia Miller, a therapist at the Bob Smith Health Center, has enjoyed mentoring three first-generation students. She hosted an end-of-year dinner for her mentees to celebrate their achievements and reflect on their journeys together. Mentees Tosin Illesanmi, Monica Montanez, and Kyla Gijan were all accepted into the McNair Scholars program, where they will begin research projects and have stepped into leadership positions across campus.

For Tricia, mentoring is more than academics; it’s about making students feel heard and affirmed. As a mentor, Tricia enjoys supporting, encouraging, and guiding them through their educational journey. “It has been a joy to mentor them,” Tricia said. “They are humble and appreciative of the opportunities available at SMU, especially through the First-Generation Initiative events.”

Tricia Miller’s story shows the transformative power of mentorship. The First-Generation Initiative’s semesterly Peruna Mentorship Mixer connects faculty and staff allies with first-generation students. This event offers an opportunity to meet faculty and staff who are dedicated to supporting students’ success while fostering lasting connections beyond the university.

 

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Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Tutoring Writing Center

The Fall 2025 Semester at a Glance is Live!

part of a semester at a glance, a semester-long planner on one sheet of paper

You’ve waited long enough… the Fall 2025 Semester at a Glance is here! This one-sheet, full-semester planner provided by Academic Skill Development is utilized by students, staff, and faculty alike. If you or others you know want one, you have options! To get yours, either:

  • Stop by the A-LEC (suite 202 in Loyd All-Sports Center) and grab a physical copy printed on legal-size paper

or

  • Download the PDF version (fillable on the computer, or for personal printing) online at smu.edu/StudySkills.

 

Looking for other helpful tools? We have more! Check our webpage listed above for a variety of additional resources.

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Rotunda Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center Writing Center

First-Generation Initiative featured in SMU News

graduate standing in front of mustang sign

Navigating college as a first-generation student takes determination, perseverance, and resilience. For Alexa Saucedo, that journey at SMU was filled with challenges, but also growth, connection, and success.

Through the support of the First-Generation Initiative and her own perseverance, Alexa adapted and learned how to navigate an unfamiliar world while creating new opportunities for herself. Her story shows the power of community and the impact of support and resources that are dedicated to first-gen success.

Read more about Alexa’s journey and how SMU supports trailblazers like her: https://www.smu.edu/news/latest/first-gen-student-initiative

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Academic Skill Development First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

Chris Meyers, Director of the First-Generation Initiative, receives “M” Award

Congratulations to Chris Meyers, Director of the First-Generation Initiative, for receiving the “M” Award at the Hilltop Excellence Awards ceremony on Friday, April 25!

The ‘M’ Award is the highest recognition bestowed upon students, faculty, staff and administrators at SMU. A true servant leader, Chris has served the Hilltop by fostering partnerships, expanding programming, and increasing retention amongst first-generation students. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that the First-Generation Initiative has the resources to meet our students’ needs. Chris has helped first-generation students overcome obstacles and find true success at SMU.

We are so proud of Chris and the work that he’s accomplished. Please join us in congratulating Chris!

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Office of General Education Offices & Programs Peer Academic Leaders SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center University Foundations University Testing Center Writing Center

SMU Launches MeSpace: A Sensory-Friendly Workspace for All

Alexa Taylor, Director of DASS, smiling and sitting in the MeSpace study unit

Alexa Taylor, Director of Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS), invites you to experience MeSpace, an adaptable study space thoughtfully designed to support focus, sensory needs, and overall student well-being:

“In response to growing demands for inclusive and flexible campus environments, SMU, through a collaboration with the DASS office, Hughes-Trigg Student Center, and SMU Libraries, is testing out MeSpace, a plug-and-play, sensory-friendly study space – just in time for Autism Acceptance Month.

Designed for both Neurodiverse and Neurotypical students, MeSpace offers a space to enhance focus, reduce distractions, and manage sensory exposure, creating an ideal environment for studying and collaboration.

We invite SMU students, faculty, staff and guests to experience this innovative, sensory-friendly space at two convenient locations on campus:

  • Hamon Arts Library, First Floor
  • Hughes-Trigg Student Center, First and Second Floor

The exhibit will be open for 6 weeks, now through the end of the spring term, providing an opportunity to experience the future of sensory-friendly strategies on campus.

On April 16, we will be hosting a Pop-Up Demo from 1-2 p.m., and immediately following the Pop-Up, we encourage all interested stakeholders to attend a roundtable discussion in the H-T Chamber from 2-3 p.m. We welcome your feedback to help us explore future collaborations with MeSpace.”